Owls hoping to avoid a Leeds backlash

Last updated : 03 October 2014 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday travel to Elland Road on Saturday and will be eager to pick up where they left off last season against their Yorkshire rivals. Leeds will be no doubt keen to try and erase the memory of the last meeting between the two sides when Wednesday cruised to a 6-0 victory at Hillsborough back in January.

Wednesday could be handed a boost with the possible return of former Leeds centre-back Tom Lees. The defender has missed Wednesday's last two league games and his absence has been noticeable. His return is also timely due to the fact that fellow centre-back Kamil Zayatte picked up an injury against Ipswich on Tuesday that is likely to rule him out for at least a couple of weeks.

Stuart Gray could also have the midfield pair of Sam Hutchinson and Kieran Lee available for the first time in over a month. Hutchinson's tenacity and Lee's creativity have been sorely missed in recent games.

Leeds Untied's Brazilian youngster Adryan could be in contention for a start after impressing during the week. The home side will be without Zan Benedicic after he picked up a knee injury but other than that new manager Darko Milanic has a fully fit squad to choose from. Former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp is likely to be involved but may have to settle for a place on the bench. With so many changes to the playing staff over the summer the Leeds side is of little resemblance to the one that was hammered at Hillsborough.

After a slow start Leeds have only lost one of their last six matches and a win would see them go above the Owls in the Championship table.

A heavy defeat against Manchester City in the League Cup has stunted Wednesday's good start to the season and they have only picked up one point from their last two games.

The two sides drew 1-1 at Elland Road last season in the opening month of the campaign.